A PEST control expert has warned Brits must do three things to avoid a fly infestation during the heatwave.
Dr. Erica McAlister, scientist at the Natural History Museum, says that fruit flies will be out in force as the UK revels in a 34C heatwave.
Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting fruit, and are particularly common in the summer months when fruit and veg are ripening.
These winged insects are hardwired to follow the smell of ripe produce and can detect them from great distances.
The fruit bowl in your home will be a veritable feast for a fruit fly, and you'll likely find a hungry one buzzing around somewhere nearby.
As fruit flies are extremely small, they're able to sneak through gaps in the window cause an infestation because they reproduce so rapidly.
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During sunny periods they are even more determined as heatwaves cause fruit to decompose quickly.
Erica told The Sun: "Fruit flies have a really good sense of smell and the scent of decomposing fruit attracts them.
“Fruit flies live for 2 – 3 weeks and are not harmful."
Erica now suggests following three key preventative tips to keep your house safe from pesky flies.
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COVER BOWL
It may sound obvious, but the first port of call is to cover your fruit bowl when it’s not being used.
It's not rocket science, the fruit fly is attracted to the smell, so don't give them the opportunity to land on the sweet food.
Some companies even sell bowls with fruit tops on them so flies cannot reach them.
ESSENTIAL OILS
If you don't want to cover your fruit bowl, then you can try using essential oils to deter the critters from entering your kitchen.
Fruit flies can’t bear the smell of basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, or lavender.
You can buy small pots of essential oils from supermarkets or health food stores, open them and let the scent do its work.
VINEGAR TRAP
Another way to get rid of these annoying flies is to set a trap of vinegar into a cup covered with cling film secured with a rubber band.
Poke holes in the cling film and the flies will be attracted to the vinegar and drown.
You could also try wafting the creatures out of your kitchen by using your copy of The Sun and fanning them out of the room.
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